That lack of sisterhood haunted me at times during the 2016 election season. As Election Day approached and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton emerged as the frontrunner, I waited to feel something. Some sort of connection between her and me, some sort of emotion tied to the likelihood that a person who shares my gender expression would be the “leader of the free world.” It never came.

However, the absence of that sisterhood never felt more real for me than it did when I learned that 53 percent of White female voters cast a ballot for a man whose bigotry was, perhaps, his greatest selling point. I never expected that White women by-and-large would favor Clinton over Donald Trump because she promised criminal justice reform or would do more to protect the rights of people of color than her opponent. But I did believe that Trump’s incredibly public misogyny—manifested in attacks on women’s looks, a boast about “pussy” grabbing and promises to prosecute people who seek abortions—would have made him less than favorable. Silly me to expect self-preservation to take priority over racism, I suppose.

Of course, much of the post-election news cycle was dominated by White folks wringing their hands: How could this happen?Why did it happen? There was lots of weeping and wailing from women who could get the answers to those questions by simply asking their relatives, friends and partners who put Trump in power. As fearful as I am for the lives that are most vulnerable in the wake of a Trump presidency (including immigrants of color, Muslims, LGBT people and, of course, Black folks), there was a tiny, tiny part of me that felt a tiny, tiny bit of satisfaction at seeing how sad many White women were. Finally, they got to know some semblance of the pain and anguish that accompanies our lives in this country.

But when I learned that some of those women had decided to channel their disappointment into a “Million Women March,” my twisted moment of pleasure quickly gave way to a familiar sense of annoyance. Once again, the labors of Black folks (in this case, the 1995 Million Man March and the 1997 Million Woman March organized by Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam) were being co-opted and erased by clueless White ones. And just what would this “million” women be coming together to march about—their mothers, sisters, homegirls and friends who elected Trump in the first place?

The name of the march did quickly change and a group of women of color that I deeply admire signed on as co-chairs. They are now the face of the event and among its lead organizers. For me, this sparks a few conflicting feelings. On one hand, I think of Tamika Mallory (former executive director of National Action Network), Carmen Perez (executive director The Gathering for Justice), and Linda Sarsour (executive director of the Arab American Association of New York) as living and breathing superheroes. They are the closest our shared home of New York City has to Wonder Woman, Storm and Misty Knight. People who are open to hearing from them and who allow them to lead will benefit from doing so.

On the other hand, I’m really tired of Black and Brown women routinely being tasked with fixing White folks’ messes. I’m tired of being the moral compass of the United States. Many of the White women who will attend the march are committed activists, sure. But for those new-to-it White women who just decided that they care about social issues? I’m not invested in sharing space with them at this point in history.

Will the Women’s March on Washington be a space filled primarily with participants who believe that Black lives matter? I’m not sure, especially considering the attitudes of some who have publicly stated that they don’t want to hear calls for attendees to check their White privilege at the proverbial door.

Thus, I am affording myself the emotional frailty usually reserved for White women and tapping out this time. I’m not saying that I will never stand in solidarity with masses of White women under the umbrella of our gender, but it won’t be this weekend. Managing my depression is a complicated daily task, one that will certainly be exacerbated by the presidential inauguration festivities. It won’t serve my own mental health needs to put my body on the line (a body that I believe will invite more violence from Trump supporters than paler attendees) to feign solidarity with women who by and large didn’t have my back prior to November. Not yet. Eventually? Perhaps. But not now.

I’d like to see a million White women march to the grave of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth or Audre Lorde, or perhaps to the campus of Spelman College to offer a formal apology to Black women. It’s time for White women to come together and tell the world how their crimes against Black women, Black men and Black children have been no less devastating than the ones committed by their male counterparts. Perhaps the Women’s March on Washington will provide the grounds for the level of catharsis required to make that happen. If anyone can plant the seed, it’s Mallory, Perez, Sarsour and Janaye Ingram, the march’s head of logistics. But I just can’t make my way to Washington D.C. this weekend to find out.

Maybe next time.

Jamilah Lemieux is a writer and the vice president of Men’s and News Programming for InteractiveOne. Follow her on Twitter: @jamilahlemieux

149 Comments

Please dont feel that all white women arent with you. My daughter is an arab and her father is a muslim and the terror that Ive felt just dealing with the far right over the years has broken me. Top that off with having left diastolic congestive heart failure and slowly dying .. Im terrified to leave my 11 year old behind. I live in a state where 8 people a day die with no healthcare and half the reason my heart failed was lack of access to healthcare. To not understand that we are intersectional through poverty.. through relgion is to miss the point that people ARE suffering.. Its just the disconnect of feeling disrespected by white people which I totally get. I feel the same of my races.. I feel the burden. I feel the anger towards us.. and I feel that rage towards other white people who voted for trump.. But Please please please please know with all the power in my body that there is a slow death I do every morning.. fighting to stay alive in a state that doesnt care if I live or die and I dont want you to let go of all of our hands. Dont go to the march.... but dont lose sight of all of us who want to do the right thing.. and love and honor you.. I need your voice.....I need to give you mine..

I am disappointed by your attitude, however you raise an issue that needs to be addressed. I am white, my mother is white and she marched in solidarity with Martin Luther King and i have marched for women's rights. I voted for President Obama and was living in Tennessee at the time. Tennessee is a very racially divided state with rampant racism on both sides. When Obama was elected president Black people called into radio stations talking about how they "defeated" white people. I was very offended and thought that we have not come very far from the days of my mother marching for civil rights. Martin Luther King stated, i have a dream that one day all men will be created equal, he did not say he had a dream to defeat white people. I didn't care if Obama was black, white, red purple or blue, because i voted for the human being himself. I am sorry that you do not feel a solidarity with us white people because we feel a solidarity with you, yourself, and your human experience. The republican party has united over greed and hate, we are marching and trying to unite over love, love for the unique human beings we all are, until you can see that everyone is unique and different and not simply a skin color, i fear you will not be able to overcome your own reverse racism. I would hope that you could come to the march to help all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation to unite to defeat that hatred that threatens to destroy us all

While I 100% Support these women and their cause and I will donate money and voice my opinion even if no one listens...but, I will not be marching with them. For me, it's not a race thing. I've had racist confrontations by black women, hispanic women, and even my own race of Indian women. I'm not marching because In my life I have experienced so much hate and criticism from a staggering number of women in my life. Karma? Maybe but I don't feel any connection to march with them. I will support from afar.

Thank you for presenting the viewpoint. As a white male (didn't vote for Trump BTW), I can only listen and attempt to understand your life experience. As an member of a church that is very focused on engaging people missions work, I am always looking for ways to get more people involved, even as baby steps. Maybe it's just my Christian perspective, but isn't late to the party better than not attending? At this point, I can't help but think social activism needs all hands on board, especially as we try to understand each other's perspectives to find a committed common ground in the face of the new administration.

It makes me sad to think that an educated Black Woman thinks that a White Woman isn't able to truly care. I signed up for the March in Boston. Then saw the violence in DC. Remembered all the recent terrorist attacks. I have a severed Achilles Tendon and I am in an air-cast. I could not run if I had to. I am 69 years old. I decided not to march. I felt heart broken by my limitation. But I wanted to march to express my solidarity to MY Black friends, to my numerous friends that belong to the LGBTQ community and to the hundreds of people I know who despise Trump as much as I do. Well, maybe not as much. I think no one hates the man with my passion. :-)
I am a Naturalized Citizen. I have been in this country since I was 18, when I came to school in California. I lived there 32 years. I have been in MA for 18. I am very liberal and a registered Democrat. I see people for who they are, not by what they have, what they do , what their religion is and definitely not by the color of their skin. Maybe some day, Jamilah, you will realize that I am NOT the only one!

I'm disturbed that this writer is trivializing the purpose of the march. again, aside the reasons you won't be there like so many others who wont be for similar and or different reasons. i just do not know why anyone would care why you don't want to go. the march is symbolic of so many social issues that affect women. if it's not your cup of tea then don't drink it. but don't pour out the pot before anyone else gets her cup. sheesh

You my dear are making assumptions about people you don't even know; isn't that called ignorance? I have been aware of my white privlidge since I was a child almost six decades ago and your sentiments and depression are nothing more than indulgence.

I completely understand where the Black population bothered by White people (like myself) protesting Trump and being so upset comes from, and while I can’t speak for other people, I will say that I’m not upset for me. I know that when it comes down to it, the only thing that will change for me is that my birth control might get a little more expensive. I’m not sexually active and don’t need to worry about abortions in the near future, I’m white, I’m a college student, and though I am Jewish that is certainly not the targeted groups. My mother could lose her job doing reading help in a public school, but that’s not the first thing on my mind. What I mean to say is that I know I’m privileged and this isn't about my rights or my feelings for me. I'm nineteen now, and had never felt I had the opportunity or the chance to speak out as to how I feel. I'm only now being exposed to the world, and I'm pissed off.

I just want people to understand that I’m not going to the protest for me. I’m not going because I’m scared about my own reproductive rights, or because I hate Trump (though, I promise you, I do). I’m going because I’m upset for everyone else who would be heavily effected by Trump in office. I’m upset for the Black population being marginalized and treated like crap. I’m upset for immigrants who came to America. I'm upset for mentally ill or mentally retarded family, friends, and friends of friends who won't get the coverage or care they need under Trump. I’m upset for Muslims, after spending time in Israel and venturing into the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem, despite being warned not to go there, and finding it no different than the rest of the city. I’m upset for my Trans friend, for my best friend who was raped just a month after Trump was named President-Elect. I don’t care about me, because honestly? What happens to me doesn’t matter. I'm not there for me. I'm there because I want to make a difference I didn't think I could, and it turns out I can.

What a shame we cannot even get along with each other and unite!! This is not about what stupidity that my realatives did years ago. I have no control over history, which you are
still blaming me for. As a white woman who did not vote for Trump I owe no one an appology for what I have never done. By the way I know black weomen and men who voted for Trump; however, I do not blame ALL black weomen for what a few did! I feel the reverse prejudice towards me because of my white skin! I am sorry for my skin color and that you judge me because of it and not me as an individual person. I am 53 yr old white girl, single, raise my 2 biracial grandkids, work as a nurse, and do not want to march with you because of your prejudices against me being white!

Thank you Jamilah. SO powerful. I understand these feelings and kudos for taking care of yourself in authenticity. My heart is not in this march either, although my reasons are different and very unpopular.

As a life-long Democrat, and Major Roosevelt lover, I somehow cannot get over a number of things about the Hillary Campaign, the behavior of the DNC, the terrible leadership and poor strategic thinking and the lack of ethics and integrity that were proven true after all. DWS was one thing. But Donna Brazile broke my heart. I feel snookered as a loyal Dem.

From minute one, I felt that naming this a women's march was yet again a missed messaging opportunity for reaching out to more disenfranchised or at risk groups; more same old, same old thinking. Although I was never a Major Berner, I like him and what he stands for a lot. What was done to him left a sickening taste in my mouth i could not get rid of. I voted for Hillary for obvious reasons.

After all this, I just cannot get over the feeling that the purpose of the march for many is in truth, an opportunity to mourn Hillary's loss. That's fine but I am still not feeling and seeing the change I want to see in this party and leadership in order to feel genuinely represented, and that there will be real change.

No more Pelosi. Yes to real change like Ellison. Corey Booker sold us out. I am watching Chuck Schumer like a hawk to see if he is real. Warren yes but both she and Schumer stop at the water's edge when it comes to Human Rights for Palestinians.

67 Dem representatives did not attend the inauguration but NOT ONE DEM SENATOR joined them because of their "career." If anyone feels as I do, I would love to hear it, but I'm not anticipating a positive response to this post. I had to do it because I have no f**ks left to give. I am white, Jewish and 68. I grew up poor, have had nothing handed to me, worked hard and made a life which I am grateful for because although modest, it is so much more than I ever had. I've lived long enough to have had a good seat while watching my dream of building a better world for all, slowly erode due to selfishness, cynicism, and hate for anyone other than one's clan. Time counts more than ever for me now and I'm not giving up my shot.

If anyone is a victim or marginalized in this country above all else- let's go all the way back. Native American Indians.
We are all living on their land. All of us.
Let's use the Cherokee Nation as an example.
I've witnessed the Cherokee Nation rise and become wealthier than ever and they don't hate white people or black people.
You know what they've done? They built themselves up and want to be one with every race. Probably the most forgiving thing I've ever seen.
I truly believe because they forgave- good fortune came their way.
They give back so much money every year to schools, cities, economic development in areas that would otherwise never see a dime.
It's amazing what they do and how they work together with everyone.
Black people and white people could take a lesson from that.
I'm white (Irish American) and I'm not going to be ashamed of it just the same that you're black (African American) and shouldn't be ashamed of it.
But none of us are from this country besides the Native Americans.
Black slave owners in Africa sold black slaves to white people- that's how it all began. So, it's not one race or the other to blame.
It's our ancestors.
Abraham Lincoln, before he was assassinated, set the slaves free, but if you trace history- he wanted to give black people the option to go back to Africa- because he knew that blacks and whites could never live in peace together.
He was right.
But don't marginalize all white women into some category- because that's racism just the same.
I believe in just doing the best you can. All women of all color have been mistreated and disrespected at some point in their lives. I know that I have been through it.
I am lucky that I had very open-minded parents who raised me not to see color. I grew up outside of St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Oklahoma in the 4th grade. On a field trip in the 6th grade we went to Joplin, Missouri. One entire side of the bus emptied to go to the other side to stare out of the window.
When I asked what was the big deal...the kids were going, "Look! It's a black person! It's black people!"
They were AMAZED at this.
When I asked WHY is that a big deal?
I learned then- it was the first time that pretty much all of my classmates in Oklahoma were seeing black people.
I remember being a little kid and thinking, "Now, that's messed up."
I went home and asked my dad why would the kids make a big deal out of black people?
That's when he told me about racism, segregation, slaves...I remember being shocked by all of it.
But they grew up in an area where there were no black people. None.
I honestly think racism is just lack of knowledge of the other race.
I had Oklahoma friends say stupid things growing up, like, "Don't black people smell different than us?"
I'd laugh and say, "Ummmm. NO."
But again- I'm lucky- because my parents aren't racist. I went to school with kids in St. Louis from all kinds of ethnic backgrounds. Yet in Oklahoma- it was white kids and native Americans. Nothing else.
So- before you think you know FOR SURE...just know that you probably don't. Just the same that I don't think I know or understand all of it.
I do think it has to deal with how you're raised and where you're raised.
I moved to Chicago and St. Louis after graduating from Oklahoma. I was gone for 23 years before moving back and guess what? I got discriminated against for leaving and coming back. I was considered an "outsider" in my hometown.
I was the person who moved to Chicago, campaigned for Obama, then came back home to find that not much had changed where race was concerned. It blew my mind.
But no matter how many nasty names I've been called- I still carried on- wiser from the hurt and stronger from the pain.
I think the truth is- most people live in their own little bubbles and don't stray too far from what they know because they think it's safe.
I literally just wrote a story about a man who was a principal of an African American school in Oklahoma during segregation. The man has long been deceased, but some letters were found that he sent to World War II soldiers of African American descent.
Happy to say that my story got the man and his letters put into the history museum here so future generations will know about this segregated school (that I didn't even know existed until I wrote the story.) And his family- who are very very successful people- thanked me ten times over.
I'm just going to try to be a vessel.
I don't pretend to have all the answers. I've been learning new things as I go related to race- and while I can't fix it- I can shed light on it in a way that ends up helping...even if it's small- it's shedding some light.
And that's my part in the puzzle.
Everyone else just has to figure out ON THEIR OWN what their part is. But I will certainly never wait around for any President or leader to tell me how to think about racism.
We all know better.
We just need to do better.
Live life the best you can because believe me- not many have it easy- no matter who you are or where you're from. We all have struggles. We all have issues.
I think it's important to talk about it- ask questions to and of each other- be honest- and try to be at peace with everyone.
We are all here at the same time for a reason.
I'd like to see you write in a more solution-based way. TELL people what it feels like. TELL people what upsets you. TELL people how YOU think things can be solved.
Otherwise- it's just contributing to the pot that will further be stirred with zero solutions.
God bless. Keep writing. :)

I am a male and I think this is totally bogus. I can't take anyone seriously that actually uses the terms "White" and "Black" in front of references to people. Especially using capital letters for the colors like it actually matters of your skin color? Seriously? The person that wrote this article is obviously classically racist. I say classically because to me to be racist you need to be against the human race where as classical racism is merely determined by skin color which is completely not even racist because there is only one race duh! That's why it's called the "Human Race" see what I did there? Used capital letters for the proper name of. You use capital letters for colors in front of references to people as if you deem it proper. And I don't like being called a "white man" it's not proper and shouldn't be proper let alone a "White man" which is definitely NOT proper. I am a man plan and simple. Call me white you are racist. You call black men "black" you are racist. Call black men "Black men" like their color is more important than being a man? If you are going to use it write "Black Men" that actually shows you think that being alive as a man is almost equally important as being "black". You yourself OP are literally perpetuating racism by not only not attending the event but by continuing the segregation of humans based on colors of their skin by simple things like emphasizing that people's color matters and is the "proper" way of addressing them by the use of capital letters when referring to a color before a pronoun reference to a group of people. Defining and reassuring boundries is what keeps it alive and they honestly should be taken down. Seriously that only teaches kids all the wrong things. Nice job you racist columnist but not surprised honestly. You are why racism still exists in this country you and people like you alone. You shouldn't be able to write articles ever not until you fix what you deem proper.

It took me 24 hours and a conversation with 3 other white women on the way to the march. I wasn't sure how to feel but the following blog has helped me.... I hope to stand next to you in the future in sisterhood.... for now I will stand for you, for you are in need of rest and it is my turn. Please read the following

"But for those new-to-it White women who just decided that they care about social issues? I'm not invested in sharing space with them at this point in history." It is baffling to me when anyone votes to support any kind of intolerance, but the author's response is equally baffling and divisive. I have never marched in protest in the 62 years of my life. I have also never judged a person based on anything other than their humanity. I have never and would never stand by and watch anyone harmed emotionally or physically. But suppose it had taken me 62 years of growth to reach the enlightened state of being an empathetic, compassionate white woman, would I not be worthy of the author's acceptance? Is growth and the desire to create positive change with it, not the point of life at any stage?

On behalf of My Mother, My Grandmothers, My Sisters and all who preceded me in this life, I am truly sorry for all my ancestors may or may not have done. I pledge to live my own life with a commitment to equality and justice in their names.

Jamilah can tap out of this but sit up and grin, placate, shuffle and act as a rape apologist in an interview with a rabid misogynist, "Charlemagne who thinks he's a god" on The Breakfast Club though. She's full of it.

We need to be present and demand that our voices be heard no matter what. This is the opportunity to call these women to the carpet and demand more from them and to form unprecedented alliances. Not showing up does nothing to make that happen. Neither does reinforcing male centered rhetoric and boosting women to some super woman status who do the same.

I can understand if you choose not to march due to mental health issues, but I hope nobody else here believes that "53% of white women voted for trump" is a reasonable excuse to shun the 47% who did not, because it makes no sense. I know a lot of white people who supported black lives, but this kind of generalizing is the same thing I see from racists. It's difficult to detect racism in yourself, but when people look to another group to blame for their troubles, they're almost already there.

I'm sorry, but I couldn't disagree more with you and more with the majority of commeters here. I am a black woman and am dismayed by the emotional immaturity displayed here. What you sound like--perhaps who you are--is exactly the kind of person we're "fighting" against on the Trump side: lacking empathy, bigoted, dismissive of any experience or prejudice that is not your own. White people have come out en masse even when they weren't personally impacted (i.e., Black Lives Matter)--even if I assume you'd say they were the cause. But not them personally. Women especially have been advocating for people other than themselves--gay men, black people--and continue to do so now. In fact, if anything, this march seems geared toward other "minorities" more than it has to: LGBTQ and other rights are included in it. It strikes me that you're not that generous of spirit. If you were white, I am guessing you'd never march for black people. I'm guessing you'd say "I'm sick of cleaning up black people's messes." Look beyond yourself. Be better than that.

Also, Hillary Clinton wasn't your cup of tea? Fine. Probably not about your/our blackness. Probably more to do with the fact that she is hard to relate to. Most white people (per polls) felt that way too. But you know what? They still came out in droves and voted for her because, you know, logic ruled over their emotion: they knew the alternative was dismal. Black people did not. It's pathetic. I'm ashamed.

I feel as if every person showing up and trying to make a difference for a cause that they really believe in, like these women are doing, should be commended, not scoffed at and told they're not doing enough, or not doing it right. It's a learning curve, and most of the women protesting are probably only just getting started using their voice to advocate change. If we want to encourage more of this positive political action, and for it to continue and branch out into other areas that very much need it like black lives matter, we should be applauding them, not telling them what they're doing isn't good enough. Isn't positivity and encouragement better than telling people their efforts aren't good enough?

"And just what would this 'million' women be coming together to march about—their mothers, sisters, homegirls and friends who elected Trump in the first place?"
"It’s time for White women to come together and tell the world how their crimes..."
I don't actually know any women who voted for Trump. But somehow, because I'm white, I'm responsible for the white women who did, and I'm a criminal to boot? There is a powerful piece on this very site about why all Muslims should not be held accountable for extremists. So why is this situation different?

Polls show a majority of African-Americans--and not just the percentage who voted in the presidential election--are against gay marriage. They helped pass Prop 8 in California. Should I hold the author partly responsible for that, even if she takes the opposite view personally? I absolutely would not.

As the author is disappointed in how the march was organized, I support her decision not to attend. White people do need to learn about white privilege and fight white supremacy. But it is unfair to hold people personally responsible for the actions of others. People can only control what they themselves do.

I was going to attend the march, but being the useless white dish rag that I am, I thought I should just stay home in my beige McMansion, looking at my diamonds. But then I thought since I am also obviously not an egotistical, self-righteous ass, I should go ahead and the attend the march since all the egotistical, self-righteous asses are obviously staying home. I didn't know what to do, so I drove halfway there and just parked.

I suppose my whiteness indicates that I simply cannot sympathize with the struggles of others, despite my gender. I have also decided to give up reading articles from around the world that might keep me abreast of global plight, signing petitions or making donations, since I will obviously not really do anything about that either. I look forward to my blissful, white, feminine ignorance. Thank you for your article.

And throughout the entire article, the only thing that is solid is the separation you feel between black and white. Thats all you see is color. You reference it countless times in the article. Its the top of the subject matter. Some day you'll see that we are all just people trying to get on with our lives. You hold deep hate in your heart for whites. That's fine, i cant change that. But there are white people that really dont care about color. And that's a problem too, right? There's no winning this. There's no compromise. There's no working together. Its just going to stay this way... largely because of people like you. First AA to do this First AA to do that. There's your separation. Good or bad, singling yourselves out because of your color and not expecting the world to do so... Who's is the hypocrite now? Sure, it makes sense to be proud of an accomplishment. But not because of your color. So whats the shocker here that we had the first AA President? Was that not supposed to happen? Should the world be shocked? And if so, why? He just proved that this land has endless opportunity for all colors. This hate needs to stop. This separation, good and bad needs to stop. We are just people!

Well, I am a white woman, who did not vote for Trump....and I was vocal about that fact when other white women told me that they were voting for him. But honestly, most white women I know did not vote for him and were disgusted with him, and many of those were Christian white women....white women who have relationships and friendships with black women. I love my black friends, as my sisters, and I have lived in another country as a minority although I am white. I have always been taught that all people are created equal by God, and we are all brothers and sisters in the human race. Although I respect your right to have your opinion, and value your transparency, I do not believe that your blanket statements and feelings about white women are helpful, nor are they true. I truly wish for you what many of us women have already attained; friendships with women of many colors and social standings, because this is what creates real change in our hearts and solidarity. You no longer will have to point to white women as "them" and as "they don't understand me or my challenges". When we have the courage to invite others into our lives, listen and share, we start to realize that we are truly in this together, we share many struggles, and we can help one another with the unique gifts that God has given each one of us. If the burden of this rests mostly on white women for the sins of our ancestors, then I believe you will find, if you open your heart to those of us who love all people, that we are willing to fight and stand up for you and "have your back". We always have. Don't shame us for standing up at any hour, including this one.

I am an immigrant woman living in Iceland, so in some ways I understand the author's sentiments. A couple of days ago, a friend of mine sent me an invitation to join the women's march in Reykjavík, Iceland that took this place this afternoon. I was mulling over whether or not I should join the march. This morning when I woke up, I decided not to. The reason was really simple, if the march in Reykjavík was really about women's solidarity and equality regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion etc., why didn't they march for the women and girls in Syria, or for the women and girls who are treated as sex slaves and murdered by ISIS, or girls who were gang raped in India, or even for Muslims in Iceland who have been fighting for years to build a mosque?

The 53% of white women who voted for Trump were not there. The attenders included white women, black women, Indian woman, native women, LGBT, children, men. You really missed out. It was invigorating, inspiring - a gigantic love fest really. Over a million people marched and no violence. Come on in - we want you!

p.s. I post Black Lives Matter, march in all civil rights protests, write letters to the editor when young black men are discriminated against by police in my town. I do what I can and have for over a decade. That's where I was before Nov. 8. Where are you?

Well you're a fucking idiot.
You do realise that the majority of people protesting against Trump aren't the ones who voted FOR Trump. I thought that was basic logic. Do you think ALL white women voted for Trump? No. Half of them did not. So then why on earth do you not consider them your ally, when they are fighting fo YOUR rights? Your refuse to participate affects you and every other woman in America, and all you care about is your irrational pride, taken in not marching along side with other women, just because they are white. That's called selfishness.
Secondly, even if you do consider that black people have always been "fixing white folks' messes"(which is ridiculous but whatever), when white people (the majority of whom had no involvement in Trump becoming president) DO come together and fight for EVERYBODY'S rights (yes, including yours), you refuse to join them. What a surprise: another ignorant black woman fighting for segregation between races yet a-fucking-gain. MLK is rolling in his grave.

Hi -- in the 70s while working at the Library of Congress, CRS, my boss constantly picked on me. One day my two co-workers both African American, I being white, sat me down and asked, "Don't you recognize prejudice when it slaps you in the face, girl?" I too am appalled that any woman could vote for a racist, misogynistic, bigot like Trump. Read the front page of the New York times today (22 January 2017) and the article of women in Michigan who were clueless. These are the white women who cast their votes oblivious to the greater world around them and outside of their limited domiciles.
Lumping me in with these women is no different than lumping all Black/African American/ Hispanic human beings in with the gang-bangers who sell drugs and do drive by shootings. Do we recognize prejudice in ourselves when it slaps us in the face?

As a musician, and white man, this makes me think of Elvis. I wonder how Black people felt after he became so popular, essentially recording Black music. Would they not want to listen to him? What about Eminem taking over rap - could Black hip-hop fans manage to buy an album? I can totally understand the feeling that it might not be fair, that a white artist arrives and suddenly the music is incredibly successful. However, to tie it in with the march, I also don't feel that there's anything intrinsically wrong with Elvis or Eminem, popularizing good music. Perhaps not fair, but on the whole is it bad? I can see how the Women's March may not have been perfect, in the context of all its predecessors. However, in a broad sense, it was good. Positive, constructive, and good. I wish you could have been there.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Jamilah. As a white woman doing everything I can to examine my privilege, and challenge the system that keeps most of us divided and some people grossly oppressed, I am appreciative of as much perspective as I can get from those whose experiences of this system are different than mine - generous and vulnerable sharing like yours helps to bring us all closer to how we can, as white women, work harder, stand up more, and begin to earn trust and build sisterhood that will create a stronger support network for, first and foremost, marginalized populations, and thereby a more equitable and supportive system for all of us. I just read from the group Indigenous Rising that the Indigenous Women's contingent did not lead the march because the organizers were not open this idea, which confounds me. As you did not mention native women in your article (which I assume was not intentional but an oversight), I feel compelled to share this and to speak up for taking care as we address intersectionality that it is essential to specifically name, honor, and centralize indigenous women - a frequently overlooked/ignored/dismissed population - along with black, muslim, immigrant, and LGBTQ womxn. Another reason to add to your list of why to protest the march, I guess ;) Thank you for raising these important questions.

I first became aware of the debate over the inclusivity and intersectionality or lack thereof in the Women's March on Washington---my light skin affords me the convenience of not having to think about race all the time---when I read about how one white woman in Hawaii started the idea for the march but then, as it became bigger, more experienced people of color (not a big mystery why they would be more experienced) took it over. As it became more real, warnings that some deemed "scare tactics" began to pop up and then I really thought about it. These warnings were about writing essential information like emergency contacts and a lawyer's number on your arm in sharpie, about advice should you be arrested, and even how to go limp and avoid pepper spray should any physical interactions occur. That was when it hit me: the enormity of my privilege as a light-skinned Latina who can pass as a non-person of color (e.g. The hospital listed me as a 21 year-old, white female when I was admitted). I didn't need to fear about bodily harm at the march because I normally don't get acknowledged as a person of color and so don't often face harassment or discrimination of any kind. I have the privilege of being able to be vocal and attend rallies, demonstrations, and protests without a second thought as to whether I'll be harmed.

I had read a couple articles (this one included) that shamed---intentionally or not---the march as mostly an event for white feminists. These asserted that, though the chairwomen and speakers for the event were a diverse and good representation of their articulated mission and vision (found on their website), those who were participating in the march were not. Also, they made the extremely good point that white women finally stood up (some argue "only" stood up) because they got to experience, for once, the very real fear for their rights and even lives that blacks and other POC experience at every moment of existence (a sentiment proclaimed in a speech yesterday). This article expresses how women of color have had to demonstrate and protest in the past without the help of white women and furthermore pointed to the fact that 53% of white women voted for Trump (some women have even been said to have bowed out of the march when they realized how inclusive---read: lgbtq+, black lives matter and planned parenthood supporters, and other groups with missions that are so common sense that it baffles me why they are even deemed controversial---it was going to be). The article straight out said that black women and other women of color are tired of taking up the fight and that it's our turn (I include myself under the label of "white women" because of how others see me, even though I identify myself as a person of color).

They are not wrong. We cannot complain about men turning blind eyes and deaf ears on women, and then as white women, hypocritically, turn our own eyes away from the struggles of women of color, especially when their plight is so well-documented and most especially when they are demanding our help!

These authors were right about the physical presence: there were a lot of white women in attendance. From my experience, there were not many people of color or at least not many dark-skinned people of color.

No, in that aspect, they are not wrong at all. I do, however, have the hope that "the grounds for the level of catharsis required" to begin to bridge the gap was planted:

I'm a native-born Angeleno and this was not my first march. That means I know what the expected highs and lows are. I know when people are feeling fired up and I know when people are feeling uncomfortable because they don't agree with what is being said.

On Saturday, I did not experience the latter. Whenever "controversial" topics were brought up, I braced myself for the expected reaction. But it never came. No nervous shuffling, coughing or giggling. No cringing. No eye rolling. No aggressive actions. No talking over each other. Some of these things only started to happen when people were antsy to leave after standing for four hours! Otherwise, the mention of BLM, gay pride, abortion rights, speaking in Spanish, white privilege, etc. (like I said, common sense) were all received by people chanting along, clapping, or even just listening.

I'm not naive enough to think that everyone changed their minds and all of a sudden got "woke," but I am hopeful enough to say that I believe the "seed" was planted in some---or at least the soil is getting ready for planting. Though, sorry not sorry to those who aren't ready to hear uncomfortable truths (myself included). Ready or not, here comes the truth anyway tbh, but it's good to know that some people are ready. #GetWoke #OneWayOrAnother

I first became aware of the debate over the inclusivity and intersectionality or lack thereof in the Women's March on Washington---my light skin affords me the convenience of not having to think about race all the time---when I read about how one white woman in Hawaii started the idea for the march but then, as it became bigger, more experienced people of color (not a big mystery why they would be more experienced) took it over. As it became more real, warnings that some deemed "scare tactics" began to pop up and then I really thought about it. These warnings were about writing essential information like emergency contacts and a lawyer's number on your arm in sharpie, about advice should you be arrested, and even how to go limp and avoid pepper spray should any physical interactions occur. That was when it hit me: the enormity of my privilege as a light-skinned Latina who can pass as a non-person of color (e.g. The hospital listed me as a 21 year-old, white female when I was admitted). I didn't need to fear about bodily harm at the march because I normally don't get acknowledged as a person of color and so don't often face harassment or discrimination of any kind. I have the privilege of being able to be vocal and attend rallies, demonstrations, and protests without a second thought as to whether I'll be harmed.

I had read a couple articles (this one included) that shamed---intentionally or not---the march as mostly an event for white feminists. These asserted that, though the chairwomen and speakers for the event were a diverse and good representation of their articulated mission and vision (found on their website), those who were participating in the march were not. Also, they made the extremely good point that white women finally stood up (some argue "only" stood up) because they got to experience, for once, the very real fear for their rights and even lives that blacks and other POC experience at every moment of existence (a sentiment proclaimed in a speech yesterday). This article expresses how women of color have had to demonstrate and protest in the past without the help of white women and furthermore pointed to the fact that 53% of white women voted for Trump (some women have even been said to have bowed out of the march when they realized how inclusive---read: lgbtq+, black lives matter and planned parenthood supporters, and other groups with missions that are so common sense that it baffles me why they are even deemed controversial---it was going to be). The article straight out said that black women and other women of color are tired of taking up the fight and that it's our turn (I include myself under the label of "white women" because of how others see me, even though I identify myself as a person of color).

They are not wrong. We cannot complain about men turning blind eyes and deaf ears on women, and then as white women, hypocritically, turn our own eyes away from the struggles of women of color, especially when their plight is so well-documented and most especially when they are demanding our help!

These authors were right about the physical presence: there were a lot of white women in attendance. From my experience, there were not many people of color or at least not many dark-skinned people of color.

No, in that aspect, they are not wrong at all. I do, however, have the hope that "the grounds for the level of catharsis required" to begin to bridge the gap was planted:

I'm a native-born Angeleno and this was not my first march. That means I know what the expected highs and lows are. I know when people are feeling fired up and I know when people are feeling uncomfortable because they don't agree with what is being said.

On Saturday, I did not experience the latter. Whenever "controversial" topics were brought up, I braced myself for the expected reaction. But it never came. No nervous shuffling, coughing or giggling. No cringing. No eye rolling. No aggressive actions. No talking over each other. Some of these things only started to happen when people were antsy to leave after standing for four hours! Otherwise, the mention of BLM, gay pride, abortion rights, speaking in Spanish, white privilege, etc. (like I said, common sense) were all received by people chanting along, clapping, or even just listening.

I'm not naive enough to think that everyone changed their minds and all of a sudden got "woke," but I am hopeful enough to say that I believe the "seed" was planted in some---or at least the soil is getting ready for planting. Though, sorry not sorry to those who aren't ready to hear uncomfortable truths (myself included). Ready or not, here comes the truth anyway tbh, but it's good to know that some people are ready. #GetWoke #OneWayOrAnother

You really missed a chance to connect with women of all colors , religious backgrounds, sizes and ages then. As a grandmother of a multi racial granddaughter I was compelled to walk with her. I met a lot of great women and found common ground in our cause. I marched for those who choose not to, and your welcome !

"A heated Twitter exchange between Ebony.com senior editor Jamilah Lemieux and the RNC’s Raffi Williams has led to a formal apology from the legendary black publication.

Lemieux has been widely criticized for mistakenly identifying the African-American Williams as “a white dude” and for describing conservatives as a “house full of roaches.”

“Attacking someone for his or her race, heritage or political views is the very thing Ebony has worked to discourage, and actions like those of Ms. Lemieux are far below the basic standards of journalism,” RNC Reince Priebus wrote in a letter to Ebony‘s editor-in-chief.

I am so sorry you are combating depression. I know how hard that can be. It is a free country and thank you for sharing your feelings. To even have feelings in the numbed world of today is a very good thing. Keep it up.

THANK YOU! Message received. And please know that (at least in St. Paul, MN) there were tons of folks of many races flying the #BlackLivesMatter banner. Now if these millions of folks would show up at the next #BlackLivesMatter march...

As a minority, I am deeply disappointed by the opinion expressed in this essay.

Guilt by association is wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong. Absolutely morally wrong. Even if 99% of a group decided to vote for something reprehensible, you are not right to blame the remaining 1% based on association.

How is it morally right to seek retribution from the entire group of White women, the majority of whom committed no wrongs against other groups?

Of course some groups are very oppressed right now, but this movement was about solidarity.

I find it extremely sad that people condone the tone of this article. I am a white woman and I will not be throwing myself down in apology to black women, white men, other white women or anyone for that matter for crimes I did not commit. I have never oppressed anyone in my life, nor have I supported it. I am not going to be ashamed of my skin color. Being born white does not mean I was born with the burden of every sin every white person in the history of mankind committed. I do not need forgiveness from my black sisters, or anyone else. I proudly participated in the march alongside men, women of all colors, ages, SES, religion and such with the idea that I was marching for equality for all. And I meant that. And I mean that. I believe in equality for everyone. We are living in an America where wage inequality is at an all time HIGH, we are living on dying planet, sick from global warming. Scientist say we are in the midst of the 6th mass extinction. So, there are some big problems to face. If you want, and others along with you, want to sit and self-victimize over "microaggressions, " so be it. You will just be a part of the problem. We can't solve major problems divided.

"But for those new-to-it White women who just decided that they care about social issues? I'm not invested in sharing space with them at this point in history."

Perhaps instead of dissing people who are new to social justice, you should be grateful that something happened was finally big enough to wake up those who were sleeping, who had slept through your troubles before. They're now fully awake, and that means our numbers are growing. I welcome into the fold anyone who has seen the light of the truth.

For those of you who claim to be activists, who write, act or have an audience, you chose to be boxed in. You so-called activists and advocates for women should have used your platforms to truly speak out about all of the social, economic and environmental injustices that affect women, especially women of color! Do you even know who #JillStein and #AjamuBaraka are and what they stand for? The game is over people. Wake up and start talking like you know what you're talking about.

OK. I get it. Not sure what part of the country you live in. Or who you know. But just as white women like myself are of many shades of white, we are not all alike. I was annoyed that many people I know made the wrong choices inside the voting booth, too. I hope we will get a chance to meet someday. Very thought provoking column.

I marched in the Women’s March out of fear of what is happening in our country. I marched for all people. I marched for something better for people like me. Not white girls, black girls, but for people struggling just to survive in a capitalistic society built on profits for the rich. Profits that rob people of education, health care, and social services. I marched against a racist, sexist, mentally ill president. To Unlike, Jamilah Lemieux, who attended Ivy League schools, stated in her Op-Ed in Color Lines referring to white women marching as “clueless whites,” I have actually depended on the meager social service net for my mere survival. I know what it is like to stand at Kroger with 10.13 cents on your EBT card and a bare fridge, to be denied medical treatment because I do not have insurance. I know what it is like to have to beg people for food, and the abuse that comes when you are in the beggar position. So, when I marched, I was marching for hope.

You know what is funny but NOT funny? All of these women, men and/or trolls flocking to this page to say "What? Not me! My grandmother marched with Dr. King?", or "You, madam, are the racist!!" They actually think this is either about them (cuz if it ain't, why you mad?), or that you need their approval or permission. LOL on you butt-hurt folks who simply refuse to hear our voices. But guess, what? You don't have to. Go read something else, but don't think we are bothered by your having taken offense, or hurt, anymore by your trolling, name calling, baiting. Yes, baiting because YOU came here to comment on how the writer is SO racist. She didn't post this in your spaces.

Thanks, girl, for articulating what I couldn't. When I first read this YOU gave me the words to say and I knew I wasn't alone in needing time off from defending, carrying, being burdened with placating SOME folks. It was either practice self-care, or snap off on folks and, thankfully, I chose the former. I'm so very tired of having to say it like you want me to just so you won't get your feelings hurt or call me a racists and frankly, I quit!!! Nope, quitting won't help mend the divide, nor help others to understand, and yep, I'm lumping all white women together but here is the point: I'm tired. I don't care to ferret out which ones are with me and which are against me. That isn't helpful, nor right, but again... I AM TIRED and have the RIGHT to TAKE CARE OF ME, FOR ONCE!

Most who don't live in our skin or bodies won't EVER get it, but have the nerve to keep telling us that we are wrong, or divisive. How do YOU KNOW??? If you chose to take another path, it's cool. Do you. Much respect. This sister wrote about how she feels, some of us feel her 100%, she has the right and you don't need to understand or approve. Move on or step off.